CH.24

Serena gradually clawed back from unconsciousness until the world around her swirled into focus.

The stark reality of her predicament hit her like a sledgehammer as she found herself sprawled on a hard mattress and surrounded by a ring of concerned faces.

At the forefront stood Kate, her loyal companion alongside several officers whose expressions bore a tumultuous blend of emotions etched across their features.

"Serena, are you alright?" The question was laced with genuine worry. It was Kate's voice, tender and trembling like a frightened bird caught in a storm.

Their bond was more than just between a manager and her artist, and the severity of the moment only served to solidify that connection.

Serena battled against the pulsating pain that echoed inside her skull, each throb a cruel reminder of her reality. She summoned whatever strength she had left to sit upright. The movement shot electrifying jolts of agony through her body as if her very nerves were rebelling against her.

"You fainted," Kate stated gently.

Her words floated towards Serena like soft feathers on a breeze, carrying an undercurrent of comfort and reassurance as she helped Serena regain her footing.

A surge of dizziness swept over Serena like an unexpected tidal wave. Memories flooded in - painful reminders of recent events: the devastating loss of her father intertwined with Diana’s created an all-consuming vortex of desolation threatening to swallow her whole.

It felt as though she was standing on unstable ground again; every semblance of stability crumbling beneath her feet leaving nothing but an abyss filled with uncertainty and sorrow.

A heavy cloak woven from threads of despair draped over Serena's shoulders; its weight threatened to crush any flicker of hope daring to illuminate the darkness enveloping her heart.

She felt profoundly alone - trapped within a maze of lies and heartache without any signposts pointing towards salvation.

The world around her seemed to contract, shrinking until it felt as if the very walls were closing in on her.

The air grew thick and suffocating, choking off any chance of relief or escape as she wrestled with the brutal reality that lay bare before her.

Kate's arms were wrapped tightly around Serena as the news sank in. "I'm so sorry, Serena," she whispered in her voice thick with emotion. "Your father was a good man."

Serena's eyes were dry. The grief was too deep for tears. She nodded woodenly, feeling numb inside. Her beloved father… he was gone in an instant because of this nightmare. The one person she could always count on, who never doubted her innocence.

"Jenkins called," Kate went on gently. "He's secured an emergency court hearing in two hours to review the new evidence. We finally have a chance."

At that, a flicker of hope sparked in Serena's eyes. Finally, a way to fight back against the lies and clear her name. For her father's sake, she had to stay strong.

"Thank you," Serena said, her voice raspy. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Kate." She squeezed her friend's hand, drawing strength from the simple contact.

Kate gave her an encouraging smile. "You're not alone in this. Now let's get you ready to face those bastards in court and get one step closer to justice."

Serena straightened her shoulders as the zeal to fight returned to her bearing.

Kate turned to the officers hovering nearby. "She needs to get cleaned up and changed into proper attire before the hearing," she told them firmly. "Miss. Bolting is a renowned celebrity and the President's daughter. She deserves to look presentable, not like a common criminal."

The burlier of the two officers shrugged indifferently. "I don't make the rules. She's still our prisoner until the judge says otherwise."

Kate's eyes flashed with irritation. "Then at least show her the basic decency she's owed. Her reputation is already in tatters through no fault of her own."

Serena remained silent, back straight and chin raised proudly despite her dishevelled appearance. She would not beg for simple dignity.

After a tense moment, the officer gave a curt nod. "Ten minutes. No more." He unlocked the cell and jerked his head for Serena to exit.

Serena swept out, every inch the regal first daughter. In the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her blotchy face, used some paper towels to clean herself up and tried to tame her wild hair.

When she emerged, Kate was waiting with a crisp white blouse, tailored slacks, and low heels. Her outfit was simple yet elegant.

"Thank you," Serena murmured, quickly changing into the fresh clothes.

"You've got this," Kate said, squeezing her arm supportively.

Serena drew a fortifying breath and nodded. She was ready to face the wolves, her father's memory steeling her resolve. Together, they headed toward the station's exit where the flashing cameras was waiting them.

The cacophony of shouted questions and insults assaulted Serena the moment they stepped outside.

Cameras flashed blindingly as the press surged forward, held back only by a line of grim-faced officers.

"Murderer!" someone screamed.

Other vile taunts followed…

"Lock her up!"

"She's guilty as sin!"

"How could you kill your own friend?"

“Your wickedness has cost the life of your own father.”

Serena flinched but kept her head held high, the icy mask of her public persona firmly in place.

Kate's comforting presence at her side was the only thing anchoring her to reality.

The officers closed ranks around them, forcing a path through the jeering mob.

Serena concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other, her stylish heels suddenly weighing a ton.

The press wouldn't let up. Microphones thrust toward her face and camera lenses practically brushing her skin.

"No comment," Kate said again and again in a clipped tone.

Tears burned in Serena's eyes but she blinked them back fiercely. She would not break, not here, not now.

Hatred lapped at her from all sides, the chant of "Murderer!" growing impossibly louder.

And then they reached the awning-covered entrance where a police van was waiting to whisk her away.

The final steps toward the vehicle's steel doors were the hardest.

Serena concentrated on Kate's supportive grip on her elbow, using it to propel herself forward inexorably.

With a final jeering roar from the crowd, they were inside the van. As it pulled away, Serena finally let her mask drop and her shoulders slumped.

She felt ill, drained, devastated - but also backbone by a core of determination. She would find the truth, by any means necessary.

Serena sat huddled in the back of the police van, the caged windows providing a distorted view of the outside world whizzing by. She felt numb, as if the hateful jeers and accusations from the crowd had encased her in a protective cocoon of disbelief.

Kate sat beside her like a steadfast ally in this nightmare. She placed a comforting hand on Serena's arm. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," she said softly. "Those people don't know the truth."

Serena managed a weak nod, her throat too constricted with unshed tears to speak. Just days ago, her life had been charmed, her reputation untarnished. And now she was being branded a murderer - of her own father no less.

The allegations made her soul recoil in horror and disbelief.

No, she couldn't lose hope. She was Serena Bolting, first daughter and Star City’s sweetheart. She would use every ounce of her privilege and influence to get to the bottom of this.

"We'll get through this," Kate assured her, giving her arm a squeeze. "Jenkins is the best lawyer money can buy. He'll know how to handle this."

Serena forced herself to meet her friend's reassuring gaze.

She mentally prepared herself as the vehicle drove through the streets toward the courthouse, gradually regaining her poise and regal demeanor.